Carry On by Robert William Service
It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with the thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You’re muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on! Contd below

Sometimes, I wish for those languid days of uncomplicated living and being… It was a time, albeit brief, when I had nary a care in the world, love and life and all in it seemed like a breeze; easy and sweet. Had I known the gift of that period, I would have lingered over coffee and croissants in that bar scene… But now, we must carry on for there is no easy walk.

“Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Inspiration: There Is No Easy Walk…

And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s the man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven‘s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but — you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on! Contd below

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to the first time I realized, finally, that I could ride a two wheeler bicycle and not fall off… Hurtling down the street after numerous tries, family dog in pursuit, I steadied myself and felt the wind in my hair and power in my calves. Had I known to parlay the gift of that experience into daring to try new rides, to climb new hills, to act boldly on new circumstances, I would have lingered awhile to internalize the power of that moment… But now, we must march on for there is no easy walk.
What special moments of experience and grace have given you courage to carry on your life? More below!

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” Marie Curie

Inspiration: There Is No Easy Walk…

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on! via famouspoetsandpoems.com

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to that day when, in the aftermath of 9/11, I said yes to flying again… I boarded a flight to Oakland, California; palms sweating, head spinning, legs a tad hesitant, but I did it anyway. I pushed past the fear, a temporary plight, and my lifelong love for flying came back. Had I known to capture the essence of that moment and translate it into pushing past the fear to accomplish x, y and z, I would have paused that moment and seared it into every cell in my being… But now, we must take our own advice, carry on and persevere for there is no easy walk.

Stay Inspired! What are your thoughts? How do you handle the uneasy walks in your life? What do you think no easy walk means in your journey? What infinite moments of experience and grace have given you courage to carry on in your life? Do share! Thank you. 🙂

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience! 🙂

Positive Motivation Tip: While there is no easy walk in life, we all have gifts that we bring to this planet and we must not give up hope of accomplishing them… Carry on!

Elizabeth what a perfect song selection for the post. Reading your thoughts at 4am. Thinking. Remembering. The joys. The difficulties of life’s walk. The passing of my daughter. The love she brought to this walk of life. Beautiful post Liz. God bless you my friend..

My dearest Elizabeth, you know how much I enjoy each and every blog post you put up, but this spoke out and reached out to me in a very different way. Thank you so much for this wonderful call to carry on – despite it all. It’s called growing up and building inner stamina isn’ it? Thank you once again for the wonderful work that you send out to the world each time! Much love, Sharon

Rugby is hugely popular where I live and while I’m not much of a fan (unlike my husband and children!) I must say I love the motto of the Munster rugby team – “To the brave and faithful, nothing is impossible.”
Thanks, Elizabeth.

Thank You for this post! Carry On! I’ve had a really personally challenging month. There have been moments where I could feel that I could be changing in ways I may have not been able to when all is well. Digging deep so many times this month finding new stregths admist the tears and the sleep. Really Great Poem.

My heart goes out to you… There is so much pain and struggle in our world and with the economy as it is, more are hurting. Many have turned their pain inward to avoid being a burden to others but it’s not the best approach. At least, seek the support and care of even one friend. We all need to be heard. I’m glad you love the poem… I cherish it and I pray it helps you find your footing this month. Be blessed! 😉

I think your right it is really important to have at least one person in this life that you can share what’s going on and how you feel about it. Yes, I am sad at how so many have been struggling. It’s been a radical time of change for many. Thanks Again for post. :+)

I didn’t know Anoushka! I’m so delighted for the introduction! As always, Eliz, such a good encouragement. I particularly enjoyed your thoughts on post 9-11 flying…I’m not quite there with you…yet! I’m afraid I haven’t pushed back the fear, even yet! It’s complicated 🙂 Debra

This is the second article in a row I don’t know how to comment to….. I am not sure if it is just because I have a rotton cold and can’t think straight, or if it because I really can’t find and answer from my life…..

Your poem really touched me. I am on a search to look for the positive and stop living in fear. I am reading a really great book right now. It is called, “Being You: How To Live Authentically” by author Gerard M. Doyle. This is a non-fiction self help book to show readers how to be confident and live life without fear or anxiety. I am learning that happiness comes from within, no matter what life dishes out!

TY for your comment. I’m glad that the post offered some comfort to you. Thank you too for suggesting a book. I will add the link to my post so others can access it. Happiness is an inside job. I agree.
Blessings! 🙂